Because a number of bears are frequenting the area, The Nature Conservancy has temporarily closed the Heart Mountain hiking trail for the sake of public safety.

Grizzly and black bears are in the area, but the biggest concern is grizzlies, said Brian Peters, who manages Heart Mountain Ranch with his wife, Carrie.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has noted bear presence in the Heart Mountain area and elsewhere.

People should be cognizant of bear activity in areas around northwest Wyoming where bears can typically be found, said Dan Thompson, Game and Fish statewide supervisor of the large carnivore management section in Lander.

Bears have emerged or are emerging from their winter dens. They are scavenging and looking for food.

“They’re out and about,” said Alan Osterland, Game and Fish wildlife supervisor in Cody.

Carry bear spray and know how to use it, and be aware of the surroundings. That entails watching for bear tracks and scat and avoiding big game carcasses that bears feed on and defend, Osterland said.

Peters said he figures the trail will be closed for around two weeks. Hikers can call ranch headquarters at 754-8446 to find out if the trail is still closed or for other information about ranch activities. If they are away from the telephone, Brian or Carrie Peters will leave a message on the answering machine stating whether the trail is open or closed.

“They’re welcome to call any time,” Peters said.

Despite the warm weather, plenty of snow can be found at the base of the mountain, and Peters believes the snow is still deep on the upper stretch.

“The trail is by no means clear up there,” he said.

The trail will re-open as soon as it is safe, Peters said.